Good Relations Week looking forward to “Brighter Days Ahead”

A range of free public events will take place across the Fermanagh and Omagh district as part of the Northern Ireland-wide Good Relations Week.

This year’s theme for Good Relations Week, ‘Brighter Days Ahead’ will resonate with us all and focus us on moving forward to a positive shared future. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, in association with other partner organisations, has organised an extensive range of events exploring, celebrating and showcasing the wide cultural diversity in our district, reflecting on the past while looking forward to ‘Brighter Days Ahead’.

The events will explore topics such as tackling sectarianism and racism, cultural diversity, dealing with the past, faith and young people.

Launching the programme of events taking place during Good Relations Week in the Fermanagh and Omagh district, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson said:

“While, once again, as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, the majority of the events will be held virtually, last year’s events proved that it does not detract from the enjoyment of the discussions. The way communities and organisations have embraced and reacted so positively to the challenges posed by Covid–19 over the 18 months has demonstrated that good relations in our communities, particularly when times are challenging, are stronger than ever.

It is highly appropriate that during Good Relations Week, we celebrate all aspects of our culture and heritage, promote cultural diversity and tackle sectarianism and racism. Our district is now a much more cosmopolitan place and Good Relations Week is a reminder that to share this place we live in, we need to respect each other’s differences and increase understanding and engagement between and amongst all sections of the community.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone involved in organising these events for Good Relations Week in the Fermanagh and Omagh District and I would like to express my gratitude to all community and voluntary groups who give so freely of their time throughout the year to help improve local community relations in the district.”

Martin McDonald MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council, says:

“Good Relations Week 2021 will showcase over 200 highly entertaining events that will shine a light on ground-breaking projects and initiatives that tackle sectarianism and racism and promote cultural diversity – all aimed at building brighter days ahead for everyone.

We are delighted that over 100 different event and content organisers have embraced our ‘Brighter Days Ahead’ theme and helped to shape a truly remarkable Good Relations Week 2021 that demonstrates imagination, enthusiasm, and commitment to building a united community in our everyday lives.”

Good Relations Week is supported by The Executive Office, Department for Communities, Department of Justice and the Education Authority Northern Ireland and contributes to achieving the Together: Building a United Community Strategy.

To find out more about events taking place in the Fermanagh and Omagh district during Good Relations Week please click on this link or speak to a member of the Good Relations team by telephoning Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on 0300 303 1777 or email goodrelations@fermanaghomagh.com.

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